The Equestrian Blog

Saddle Girth – How tight is too tight?

Are you guilty of doing up your horse’s girth as tight as you can in the belief it gives your saddle and you the best security? Well Australian researchers have found that a girth done up too tightly can have a negative effect on your horse’s performance.

The usual tension applied to a saddle girth to keep a saddle on a Thoroughbred racehorse is around 13kg but researchers found anything over 10kg could alter the horses performance.

Although they still have to work out why, it’s thought that it may force the horse to adopt different breathing patterns involving a greater use of the diaphragm which in turn affects performance. Alternatively, the soft tissue and fluid in the thoracic wall (the part between the neck and abdomen, enclosed by the ribs) could be displaced during exercise.

As yet, no-one knows for sure. Some horses don’t seem particularly affected by girth tightness but others do. Saddle placement also played a part, so more research is needed. Whatever the effects of your saddle girth just make sure you don’t leave your girth too loose.

Michael Whitaker suspended in horse doping case

Posted by admin | Filed under Equestrian News

michael whitaker jumping The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has confirmed British rider Michael Whitaker has been provisionally suspended after his mount Thackeray tested positive in a competition last May at La Baule, France.

The FEI said Thackeray would remain grounded until the B sample has been analysed.

Michael Whitaker believes the synthetic hormone altrenogest was administered to the horse with its feed. The substance is found in Regu-Mate and is used as an anti-irritant in hot conditions.

Younger brother of British showjumping champion John Whitaker, Michael could now miss the European Championships which take place at Windsor at the end of August.

Regu-Mate promotional material lists its benefits and uses as ...

Regu-Mate the proven performer for performance mares - When you’re campaigning a mare, every advantage counts. That’s why more and more trainers are turning to Regu-Mate to suppress estrus and make their mares’ performances more predictable.

Regu-Mate effectively suppresses estrus in 95 percent of mares after 3 days of treatment.

When treatment is discontinued, mares exhibiting regular estrous cycles return to estrus within 4 to 5 days following treatment and continue to cycle normally.

Regu-Mate can help alleviate moodiness and temperament changes associated with estrus.

It’s easy to administer – orally or top-dressed on grain.